Adult Learning Program (ALP)

Overview

If you left high school without a diploma, this program gives you the chance to earn one as an adult. Getting a high school diploma prepares you for success in your next stage of life – whether it's to advance your career or continue to college or university studies.

ALP offers:

• $0 cost tuition
• Full-time, part-time and online study options
• Multiple enrolment dates throughout the year
• Recognition of existing Grade 11 or 12 credits that count towards your diploma
• The option to earn credit for prior learning obtained through on-the-job training, work and life experience, personal studies and/or volunteer activities

Recognizing the diversity of learners who come to NSCC, we offer two concentrations of ALP:

• Africentric Learning Option
• English as an Additional Language

For more information, contact ALP at the campus of your choice.

Study options

• This program is available for full-time and part-time study. You have the option to complete your program in-class, online or through a combination of courses delivered in-class and online.
• Evening classes are available at the following campuses: Akerley, Burridge, Cumberland (Amherst Learning Centre), Institute of Technology, Kingstec, Marconi, Pictou and Truro campuses. Contact the campus for more information about courses and times available.
• If you apply for the part-time study option, you must meet all the admission requirements.
• The time to complete the program through part-time study will vary and depend on the schedule you choose and number of courses you complete each term.

Choose NSCC

• Our counsellors and instructors understand that, as an adult returning to school, you have unique needs. Because of this, you're assigned a faculty advisor who provides you with support throughout the program. Our ALP team helps you prepare, plan and pursue your learning to achieve your individual career and academic goals.
• You study in a college environment, where people are engaged in learning skills in a variety of occupational areas. If you're thinking of going on to further studies, this may help you to decide on your future.

Other info

• This is a Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning program supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and NSCC.

2022-23 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

September 2021

Admission requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Applicants must reside in Nova Scotia.
• Applicants must be out of school and not have previously completed a high school diploma.
• In order to confirm placement in this program, all students must meet with an ALP counsellor to complete an assessment process.
• Applicants must have Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency, or refugee/protected persons status.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the following English Language requirement: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) – minimum Level 6, or equivalent.

Applicants whose first language is not English should visit Adult Learning Program – English as an Additional Language as this may be an option for you.

Applicants who already have a high school diploma and want to upgrade or pick up a maximum of two missing courses needed for post-secondary study should visit Adult Learning Program – Academic Upgrading.

Tuition

2022-23 tuition will be announced in the late Spring once approved by the government of Nova Scotia. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional. Amounts below were for the 2021-22 academic year.

Tuition, fees and program costs

Tuition – for eligible students, there is no tuition cost, college services fee or student association membership fee for this program.

Fees – there is a cost for the required Student Health and Dental Benefits that are provided to all full-time students. Students can opt-out of the Student Health and Dental Plan if they already have equivalent coverage. New ALP students who successfully complete the first 3 months of the program can have this fee covered by NSCC for one year. For metro campuses only, students are required to purchase a Metro Transit U-Pass.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Adult Learning Program (ALP)

Career options

• This program gives you your High School Graduation Diploma for Adults, which meets the requirements for admissions to all other NSCC programs.